Getting Prepared for a DIEP
I couldn't control what was about to happen to me but I could control how prepared I was, which I found really helpful to focus on :) These things that made my life easier....
The hospital stay:
Bra wise you will come to in a bra and have to sleep in one for the first few weeks (I think I had mine on for 6!) I had a terrible hospital issue one that was so uncomfortable and scratchy, ugh the memory. I would suggest a post surgery / maternity, seamless, front fastening one with pads.
I ended up getting this one although it is really expensive, it was SO much better. It's made from bamboo of all things and is really soft. There are probably cheaper alternatives so might be worth hunting around:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/THEYA-Healthcare-Peony-Fastening-Surgery/dp/B074HD2NPS
As far as what to wear is concerned you will want to have button up pyjamas or a nightshirt. I bought these and wore them and my jamas both in hospital and at home for the first few weeks.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladies-Cotton-Summer-Nightshirt-Nightie/dp/B01DKU1DAW
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladies-Nightwear-Sleeve-Nightshirts-Nightie/dp/B074772TVQ
I also had to have the hospital supplied surgical socks on for the first few weeks.
I took magazines, books etc with me for the weeks stay but was too drugged up to be too interested in these. I was lucky enough to have my own room so tv was all I needed.
Tip, make sure you have a bottle of water by your bed ready for when you come back from theatre, I was really thirsty
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Back home:
This was my bed set up, about 5 pillows propping me up and a large pillow under my legs as I couldn't lay flat for a while due to the diep. Plus you have to sleep on your back for the first few weeks so this set up worked really well for me. I even had another pillow under each elbow so I was firmly wedged in, this might've been overkill mind but I do like to be comfy!
I could get up and down stairs as soon as I got back from the hospital so sleeping upstairs wasn't a problem at all, I was just very very slow.
As I got stronger I got myself into the garden on a sunlounger. It was quite a feat but I managed it, the weather was good and it was so nice to get out. My exercise consisted of a slow walk around the garden for the first few weeks.
You'll be sore under your arm for the first few weeks, I'm not sure why that is. I ended up wandering around with a small cushion tucked under my armpit for a while which helped, my mother in law turned up with one for me one day which was really thoughtful and helped.
My friend bought me this for my recovery and I really really loved it. Every day I would have a tea and a biscuit or piece of cake in the afternoon for something to look forward to. If someone wants to treat you I would recommend :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traditional-Afternoon-Time-Delights-Hamper/dp/B018K8ATZY/
When your tummy scar has healed enough (your surgeon will advise you when this is) you will need to massage it and rub either bio oil into it, apply a silicone gel or just e45. All surgeons advise different things so be guided by them.
I didn't have drains to come home with but most people do I think. From what I've heard getting around / showing etc whilst carrying drains is very difficult, I ordered these little bags in advance although I didn't need them in the end:
https://www.draindollies.co.uk/
The hospital stay:
Bra wise you will come to in a bra and have to sleep in one for the first few weeks (I think I had mine on for 6!) I had a terrible hospital issue one that was so uncomfortable and scratchy, ugh the memory. I would suggest a post surgery / maternity, seamless, front fastening one with pads.
I ended up getting this one although it is really expensive, it was SO much better. It's made from bamboo of all things and is really soft. There are probably cheaper alternatives so might be worth hunting around:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/THEYA-Healthcare-Peony-Fastening-Surgery/dp/B074HD2NPS
As far as what to wear is concerned you will want to have button up pyjamas or a nightshirt. I bought these and wore them and my jamas both in hospital and at home for the first few weeks.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladies-Cotton-Summer-Nightshirt-Nightie/dp/B01DKU1DAW
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ladies-Nightwear-Sleeve-Nightshirts-Nightie/dp/B074772TVQ
I also had to have the hospital supplied surgical socks on for the first few weeks.
I took magazines, books etc with me for the weeks stay but was too drugged up to be too interested in these. I was lucky enough to have my own room so tv was all I needed.
Tip, make sure you have a bottle of water by your bed ready for when you come back from theatre, I was really thirsty
----------------------------------------
Back home:
This was my bed set up, about 5 pillows propping me up and a large pillow under my legs as I couldn't lay flat for a while due to the diep. Plus you have to sleep on your back for the first few weeks so this set up worked really well for me. I even had another pillow under each elbow so I was firmly wedged in, this might've been overkill mind but I do like to be comfy!
I could get up and down stairs as soon as I got back from the hospital so sleeping upstairs wasn't a problem at all, I was just very very slow.
As I got stronger I got myself into the garden on a sunlounger. It was quite a feat but I managed it, the weather was good and it was so nice to get out. My exercise consisted of a slow walk around the garden for the first few weeks.
You'll be sore under your arm for the first few weeks, I'm not sure why that is. I ended up wandering around with a small cushion tucked under my armpit for a while which helped, my mother in law turned up with one for me one day which was really thoughtful and helped.
My friend bought me this for my recovery and I really really loved it. Every day I would have a tea and a biscuit or piece of cake in the afternoon for something to look forward to. If someone wants to treat you I would recommend :)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Traditional-Afternoon-Time-Delights-Hamper/dp/B018K8ATZY/
When your tummy scar has healed enough (your surgeon will advise you when this is) you will need to massage it and rub either bio oil into it, apply a silicone gel or just e45. All surgeons advise different things so be guided by them.
I didn't have drains to come home with but most people do I think. From what I've heard getting around / showing etc whilst carrying drains is very difficult, I ordered these little bags in advance although I didn't need them in the end:
https://www.draindollies.co.uk/
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